If you’re worried about shedding from your carpet, you’re not alone. Whether it be from a recently-purchased carpet or one that has been used for years, seeing fibers shed can be quite disheartening! However, our carpet cleaning experts have the training to help explain why this happens – especially in the first few months of a new carpet – and give advice on how to prevent it from occurring going forward.
When is Carpet Shedding Normal?
With newly-installed carpets, it is common to experience some shedding in the initial months of their life – specially cut pile carpets with spun yarns, wool, and shag carpeting. You may find this frustrating, but don’t worry – the fiber shedding should not have any effect on the overall performance or look of your carpet in the long run. After a couple of months of use, this shedding should start to slow down and eventually stop.
If shedding persists or begins again later on, it could be an indication of a problem with the carpet fibers or their quality. If you’re concerned about this, contact the manufacturer to discuss your concerns. Additionally, improper care of the carpet may also lead to shedding – always keep that in mind if you are dealing with persistent issues.
How to Prevent Shedding
Here are some tips for caring for your carpet to prevent shedding and protect its lifespan:
- Maintain a regular carpet cleaning routine and be gentle when performing it. Use a light touch and avoid using the highest setting on the cleaning machine.
- Vacuum with the grain of the carpet to avoid excessive wear and tear.
- Consider using a throw rug in areas of high traffic to extend the lifespan of the carpet and prevent premature shedding.
- Hire professional carpet cleaners at least twice a year to remove deep-set dirt that can cause friction on delicate fibers. They can also help speed up the initial shedding process by removing loose fibers all at once.
By following these steps, you can help keep your carpet looking its best and prevent shedding from becoming a problem.
How Shedding Affects Rugs
Besides wall-to-wall carpeting, rugs may also experience some shedding. This is usually connected to the shearing process done after wool and silk rugs have been woven. To get rid of these loose fibers, they can be removed by vacuuming and grooming with a brush. If shedding continues, specialized rug cleaning services from a carpet cleaner can help remove the excess fibers, so your rug looks clean and is ready for use.
Whether you have a new carpet that is shedding or an older carpet or rug that is starting to show signs of wear, our carpet cleaners can help. Get in touch with the carpet experts at Chem-Dry of Santa Cruz County today by calling (831) 688-4858. We service the Santa Cruz County area in cities like Scotts Valley, Aptos, Pajaro Dunes, Rio del Mar, and Watsonville.